Kedron State High School, originally the site of Kedron Park Racecourse, has evolved from a historic racing venue into a vibrant educational institution since its establishment in 1956, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of Queensland.
Situated on an expansive 12-hectare site, Kedron State High School’s history dates back to the Turrbul People’s traditional lands.
From Racecourse to Classroom
Initially established in 1881, the Kedron Park Hotel, built by Frederick Morris who also organized races on adjacent land, stood as a central landmark. By 1888, the property transitioned towards becoming a formal racecourse with the formation of the Kedron Park Racecourse and Sports Ground Company Limited, which acquired the hotel, sports grounds, and additional land from the estate.
This period saw the first races taking place in 1889, though a subsequent lull in the 1890s possibly linked to the floods of that era suggests challenges that impacted the site’s development.
By the early 20th century, ownership and management of the racecourse shifted dramatically. In 1911, James Sharpe acquired the racecourse, only to sell it a year later to Benjamin Nathan and John Wren for a significant sum that reflected its value and potential.
John Wren’s legacy in the area extends beyond his early ownership stakes. His entrepreneurial spirit influenced various facets of Queensland’s recreational and cultural life, including his ownership of Albion Park and Brisbane’s Festival Hall. Wren’s multifaceted career, which spanned from bookmaking to newspaper ownership, left a lasting imprint on the community, bridging past and present narratives of the Kedron site.
The next decade saw further infrastructural developments, including the extension of the tram line to the hotel in 1914 and a Royal Commission’s safety recommendations in 1921.
However, financial difficulties became apparent as the Kedron Amateur Racing Club, formed in 1923, struggled to meet the financial obligations of their contract to purchase the course, leading to a precarious financial state by the late 1920s.
The final chapter of the racecourse’s history began with the last racing events in the early 1930s, influenced by another royal commission which led to the Racing Act and the eventual closure of the racecourse.
The land’s fate was sealed when the Queensland Government resumed it in 1955 for educational purposes, leading to the establishment of Kedron State High School.
This transition from entertainment to education is echoed in several Brisbane locations, where former racetracks, such as Coorparoo Secondary College and East Brisbane State School/The Gabba, have been repurposed to serve community educational needs.
Educational Achievements and Community Integration
Over the decades, Kedron State High School has embraced substantial growth, with student numbers swelling from an initial 274 to almost 1700 by 2020. The site has seen significant architectural advancements, replacing old racecourse buildings with modern facilities designed to support an increasing number of students. These developments have accommodated educational needs and enhanced the school grounds’ aesthetic and functional aspects.
Kedron’s student body mirrors the evolving multicultural landscape of Queensland. With over 20,000 alumni, the school’s community reflects a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, evident in the 38 languages recorded in a 2003 language census.
This diversity is celebrated annually during Kedron Week. This event highlights the rich culture of the school through language presentations, music, and dance, reinforcing the school’s commitment to an inclusive educational environment.
Ongoing Educational Excellence
The school’s alumni include distinguished personalities such as Professor Kenneth Wiltshire, actress Rowena Wallace, and sports figures like David Nilsson and AFL stars Aliir Aliir and Ally Anderson. These individuals exemplify the school’s ability to nurture talent across various disciplines, contributing significantly to both national and international communities.
The school continues to uphold high educational standards, adapting to contemporary academic demands while maintaining a nurturing environment that values the individual potential of its students. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for various future paths, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly globalised world.
Published 18-April-2024